Most people treat N4 as just "the next step after N5." It's more than that. JLPT N4 is one of the two ways to meet the Japanese-language requirement for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa — the visa that lets Indians work in Japan in sectors like caregiving, food service, construction, and manufacturing (MOFA — SSW). So for a lot of readers, N4 isn't a study milestone. It's a career one.
Key takeaway: JLPT N4 tests roughly 300 kanji and 1,500 words. You need 90 of 180 to pass (plus a minimum in each section). Crucially, N4 — or the JFT-Basic test — clears the language bar for the SSW work visa. If you want to test sooner, JFT-Basic is offered far more often.
What N4 proves
N4 certifies the ability to understand basic Japanese — a step beyond N5's set phrases into everyday conversation and simple connected passages (JLPT — level summary). At N4 you can follow slow, everyday conversations and read straightforward writing on familiar topics.
That's exactly the level Japan considers "enough to handle daily life and simple workplace communication" — which is why it sits at the SSW entry bar.
What's on the test
Like N5, N4 has two scored sections — Language Knowledge (vocab/grammar) + Reading, and Listening (JLPT — test sections). The scope roughly doubles from N5:
- ~300 kanji (cumulative)
- ~1,500 vocabulary words
- more grammar, and longer listening passages
Still multiple-choice; still no speaking or writing.
The pass mark
N4 is scored out of 180, and the pass mark is 90 (JLPT official scoring) — with the same catch as every level: you must also clear the minimum in each section. A strong reading score won't rescue a failing listening score.
N4 vs JFT-Basic: which should you take for work?
If your goal is the SSW visa, you have two doors to the same room:
| JLPT N4 | JFT-Basic | |
|---|---|---|
| Meets SSW language bar? | Yes | Yes (A2 level) |
| How often | Twice a year (Jul & Dec) | Several times a month |
| Format | Paper; grammar + reading heavy | Computer; practical, situational |
| Length | ~115 min | 60 min |
| In India | 8 cities | Bengaluru, Guwahati, Gurgaon |
| Fee (India) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹3,540 |
Both are accepted (MOFA — SSW). The honest trade-off: JLPT N4 is cheaper and widely recognised, but runs only twice a year. JFT-Basic costs more but you can sit it within weeks and it leans on practical, real-life Japanese. If you're racing a job timeline, JFT-Basic's frequency is a real advantage. Read the full JFT-Basic guide to decide.
How to get from N5 to N4
Coming from N5, N4 typically takes another 4–6 months of steady study for many learners (total from scratch is often cited at 600–1,000 hours) (Coto Academy). A workable path:
- Lock N5 first. N4 assumes N5 vocab, kanji, and grammar are automatic.
- Add the next ~700 words in themed sets, not one giant list — use the free N4 vocabulary decks.
- Grow to ~300 kanji, grouped by shared components so look-alikes don't blur — the N4 kanji decks are built this way.
- Do a lot of listening. N4 audio is faster and longer than N5. This is the section that quietly fails people.
- Take timed mock tests in the final weeks.
Your next step
If Japan is the goal, make the move concrete this week: read the SSW visa requirements to confirm your sector and path, then start closing the language gap on the free N4 decks. Not at N4 yet? Begin with the JLPT N5 guide and build up — every word counts toward the same door.
FAQ
Is JLPT N4 enough to work in Japan? For the SSW visa, yes — N4 (or JFT-Basic) meets the language requirement. Your sector may have its own skills test too.
Should I take JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic? Both are accepted for SSW. Choose JLPT N4 for a cheaper, widely-recognised certificate; choose JFT-Basic if you need to test soon or prefer a practical, situational format.
How many kanji does N4 need? Around 300 cumulative, plus roughly 1,500 vocabulary words (approximate).
How long from N5 to N4? Often 4–6 months of consistent study, though it varies by person and hours per day.
*This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, accepted tests, fees, and figures change and vary by individual circumstances and sector — verify the latest details with official sources (the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the JLPT organisers, and the Japan Foundation) and consult a qualified professional or registered agent before making decisions.*
Sources: MOFA — SSW procedures, JLPT — level summary, JLPT — test sections, JLPT — official scoring, Coto Academy — study hours.